What is Matted Dog Fur?
Matted dog fur refers to densely tangled clumps of fur in a dog’s coat. According to Animal Antics Pet Salon, matting happens when loose and live hairs become embedded into the dog’s undercoat if the coat is not properly and frequently brushed.
There are several causes and contributors to matted fur in dogs:
- Not brushing or combing the dog’s coat regularly
- Long hair coats that are prone to tangles
- Dogs that swim or play in dirt/mud frequently
- Underlying skin conditions that cause excessive shedding
- Lack of grooming due to age, illness, or mobility issues
Matted fur can pose serious health risks for dogs including skin irritation, inflammation, infections, and even mobility issues if mats restrict joint movement. Therefore, preventing and treating mats promptly is important for a dog’s health and comfort.
Does Shaving Hurt Matted Dogs?
Shaving out severe matting is often necessary, but groomers take care to avoid hurting the dog during the process. While mats can certainly cause discomfort, simply shaving them off does not typically cause the dog pain as long as proper precautions are taken.
It’s important for groomers to work slowly and carefully, holding the skin taut while shaving to avoid nicking the skin hidden underneath the mats. Using clippers designed for animal grooming rather than a razor also helps minimize the risk of cuts. The vibration of the clippers can cause minor irritation but is vastly preferable to ripping out mats by hand or scissors which could injure the dog.
That said, groomers understand that having mats removed is unpleasant for dogs, so they aim to work quickly and provide ample rewards and affection throughout the process. Though the procedure may not be actively painful, dogs are often clearly happier and more comfortable once their matted fur has been removed.
With patience and care on the groomer’s part, and some special treats for the dog, shaving out mats can be accomplished without major distress. While preventing matting in the first place is ideal, shaving is ultimately a safe and gentle way to remove them when necessary.
Preventing Matted Fur
There are several ways to help prevent matted fur in dogs:
Regular brushing is key to preventing mats from forming. Use a slicker brush and metal comb to brush all the way down to the skin at least once a week. Pay extra attention to areas prone to matting like behind the ears, armpits, and legs. According to the Preventive Vet, “The number one thing you can do to prevent matting in your dog’s coat is regular and thorough combing and brushing. How often you should brush depends on your dog’s coat type” (source).
Bathing and conditioning the fur can also help prevent tangles and mats. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner formulated for dogs. Rinsing thoroughly and brushing while blow drying will further reduce matting.
Trimming the fur is another preventative measure. Keeping the fur trimmed to a manageable length makes it easier to brush and less prone to matting. Areas like the feet, ears, tail, and butt fluff are common problem spots that may need regular trimming.
Detangling Matted Fur
Detangling severely matted fur requires patience and care. Start by generously applying a detangling spray or conditioner to help lubricate and loosen the mats. Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes. Then, gently work through the mats using your fingers to separate and loosen chunks of fur. Avoid pulling or ripping at the mats as this can be painful and damage the skin. Use a slicker brush and wide-tooth comb specifically designed for detangling knots. Carefully brush out tiny sections at a time. For tougher mats, use more detangling spray in addition to the slicker brush [1]. Finally, run a comb through your pet’s hair to make sure you have thoroughly untangled all matted sections. Be extremely gentle during this process, working in small sections for 10-15 minutes at a time. Detangling matted fur requires persistence but helps avoid shaving.
When to Seek Professional Grooming
There are some cases when it’s best to seek out professional grooming services to handle severely matted fur. According to Woof Gang Fleming Island’s grooming experts, “Shaving out mats with clippers is the safest way to remove a severe mat.”
Specifically, the following situations may require professional grooming:
- Severely matted coats that have tight clumps of fur close to the skin. Trying to work these out at home can be painful and damage the skin.
- Dogs who resist brushing or grooming at home. A professional setting with proper handling can help make the process less stressful.
- Elderly or disabled dogs who cannot stand for long periods. Professionals have tables and assistance to safely work on matted fur.
In severe mat cases, shaving down the coat may be the safest and most humane option. It removes the mats without pulling and irritation. Professionals have high-quality clippers that can humanely and efficiently remove the coat.
What to Expect From Professional Grooming
When you bring your matted dog to a professional groomer, the first thing they will do is assess the condition of your dog’s coat and skin. The groomer will check for any signs of irritation, inflammation, or infection caused by the matted fur pulling on the skin. They will also evaluate the severity of the matting and determine the best course of action.
In most cases with severe matting, the groomer will likely recommend shaving your dog’s coat down completely. This is the safest and most humane option, as it avoids having to demat and brush out the coat which can cause pain and discomfort. Shaving removes the mats at the skin level without pulling on the skin.1 The groomer may use clippers, scissors, or a combination of both depending on the thickness of the matted coat.
After shaving, the groomer can discuss options for the length and style of your dog’s new clipped coat. They may recommend keeping the fur short for easier maintenance if matting is an ongoing issue. Or they can trim and shape the coat into a puppy cut or other style you prefer. The groomer’s priority is getting rid of the painful mats first and foremost.
Your dog will likely feel much better after a shave down, being free of the mats pulling on their skin. Professional grooming is the safest and most effective method for removing severe matting from a dog’s coat.
Aftercare for a Shaved Dog
After shaving a matted dog, it’s important to provide proper aftercare to keep their skin healthy while the fur grows back. Moisturizing the skin and providing sun protection should be top priorities.
Dog skin can become dry and irritated after shaving, so moisturizing is crucial. Use a hypoallergenic moisturizing spray or lotion made specifically for dogs. Avoid human lotions which may contain ingredients that could further irritate the skin. Apply moisturizer at least twice a day. Coconut oil can also help hydrate the skin when applied sparingly.
Shaved skin is vulnerable to sunburn, so limit time outdoors during peak sun hours. When going outside, apply dog-safe sunscreen frequently, especially on areas with thinner fur. Some pet stores also sell protective shirts and suits to shield sensitive skin from sun exposure.
To keep shaved dogs comfortable, consider shirts, sweaters or suits designed for dogs to cover large shaved areas if they will be exposed to cold temperatures. Only use soft, breathable materials to avoid irritation. Avoid covering the incision site if your dog had surgery. Check for skin redness and overheating regularly when dressed.
With proper aftercare of moisturizing, sun protection and suitable clothing, a shaved dog’s skin can stay healthy while fur grows back in. Check with your veterinarian if any skin issues persist after shaving matted fur.
Transitioning Fur Length
After a dog has been shaved down due to severe matting, their fur will need time to grow back out. It’s important not to shave the dog too short initially, as this can damage the hair follicles and coat health. Aim to leave at least 1/2 inch of fur. Then, allow the fur to grow out gradually over the next several months.
Regular brushing and grooming is essential during this regrowth period. Use a slicker brush and metal comb to remove loose hairs and prevent tangles. Brush the entire coat 1-2 times per week. Pay extra attention to areas prone to matting like the ears, legs, and hindquarters. This stimulates blood flow to encourage healthy regrowth.
There are some styling tips that can help a shaved dog look their best as the fur transitions back. Consider getting a shorter “summer cut” trim on areas like the paws, belly, and face until the body coat catches up. You can also use doggy hair clips, bows or bandanas to style the topknot and ears. Letting the head hair grow out a bit longer helps balance the body. Your groomer can advise on cut styles. With time and care, your dog’s coat will return to its previous glory.
Maintaining Coat Health
Proper nutrition is essential for keeping your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Feed your dog high-quality food that contains omega fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients support skin and coat health. Consider adding a supplement like salmon oil or probiotics for additional benefits.
There are also supplements designed specifically for coat health, such as those containing biotin, zinc, vitamin E, and fatty acids. Research shows that some supplements can improve coat quality, reduce shedding, and make fur softer and shinier within 6-8 weeks. Popular brands include HealthyCoat Dog Food Supplement and Vet’s Best Healthy Coat Shed and Itch Relief Dog Supplements.
Veterinary care is advisable if your dog has signs of poor coat health like dry skin, flaky fur, excessive shedding or bald patches. An underlying health issue could be the cause. Diagnostic testing can determine if there’s a medical reason for the unhealthy coat.
Providing Comfort and Care
After having matted fur shaved off, dogs may experience some soreness or irritation. Pet owners can help provide comfort and care during this sensitive period. Extra love and affection can go a long way in making dogs feel better.
Gently massaging or petting the areas of shaved fur can help soothe any lingering irritation. The touch and physical contact releases endorphins and provides reassurance. Give lots of hugs, cuddles, and belly rubs. Dogs always appreciate the extra attention.
Offer praise, compliments, and treats. Let your dog know they did a good job getting groomed and that their new haircut looks cute. The positive reinforcement builds confidence. High value treats are a nice reward and distraction from any discomfort.
Monitor your dog’s mood and behavior in the days following the grooming. If they seem especially bothered or sensitive in certain spots, try to minimize contact there. If problems persist more than a few days, consult your veterinarian.
With some extra love and care from their human, most dogs bounce back quickly after having their matted fur removed. Be attentive to your dog’s needs, and they’ll be back to their happy, energetic selves in no time.